Combing machine. The combing machine comprises a plurality of combing heads, with every combing head including an apparatus for supplying one lap each to be combed, a device for combing out noils, and a device for detaching combed fiber tufts from the lap and for forming a single head sliver, the combing machine further including a guiding device for pneumatically carrying off the removed noils and a device for the automatic continuous or periodic generation of a signal representative of the noils or comber waste share while the machine is in operation, with the generating device comprising a measuring apparatus for determining the comber waste quantity carried off per time unit and/or a device for supplying a signal representative of the combed material quantity formed per time unit and/or a device for determining the lap quantity supplied per time unit, it being possible, with the noted signal, if required, to change the settings of the combing machine and/or the machine disposed ahead of the combing machine.